Cologne-based Richard Schroeter has been the new ‘port representative’ for Port of Antwerp-Bruges (PoAB) in Germany and Switzerland since 1 October. Schroeter will mainly focus on promoting PoAB’s hydrogen projects.
Germany and Switzerland are seen as a very important hinterland region for the further roll-out of all future Port of Antwerp-Bruges hydrogen plans. In his new role, Schroeter will initially be taken in tow by his colleague Elmar Ockenfels, who has been working for Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Germany and Switzerland for nine years. Worldwide, the Antwerp port authority has a team of some 17 ‘port representatives’ who are part of international development manager Wim Dillen’s team.
Foreign experience
“During my 40-year career, I have always been active in logistics. I never wanted to end up in a job with regular hours. Moreover, in my family and circle of friends, some were already working as forwarder, so I was quickly bitten by the stories about inland shipping and container terminals via that route.”
“After my forwarding studies, I soon started working at Neska Schiffahrts-und Speditionskontor GmbH, now part of HGK Logistics and Intermodal. Those early years were very much linked to logistics connected to the Rhine.” Schroeter, who incidentally speaks quite a bit of Dutch, has quite a bit of foreign experience behind him. He lived in Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong, among other places. Nevertheless, he decided to return to Germany in 2012.
Hydrogen and green molecules
“From now on, my main focus will be on hydrogen and green molecules, although in addition I will also promote Port of Antwerp-Bruges to the big companies – steel companies, chemical clusters and car manufacturers – located along the Rhine.”
“I am really looking forward to the interesting times ahead. In terms of energy transition, there is a huge amount to be done. I myself hope to be able to make a small contribution to these very interesting developments within the port world from my region. Over the past few days, I have already visited quite a few companies in Port of Antwerp-Bruges. Just yesterday, for instance, we were at Fluxys in the port of Zeebrugge. Very fascinating to see how they are preparing for the whole hydrogen story.”
“My first impression is already that I have ended up in a very well-organised environment. Port of Antwerp-Bruges has prepared an extensive onboarding programme. There is a lot of work ahead of us.”
